Room for all: Women Writing for (a) Change provides structure, empowerment

Humiliating others receives the frowning-face emoji in Women Writing for (a) Change. The group is an arts education and writing organization that teaches people, many of whom are females, to lead. All gender identities are welcome, but harsh criticism is not, unless that's exactly what a writer/participant specifically requested. As national founder Mary Pierce Brosmer says in her book "Women Writing for (a) Change," shaming is unwelcome.

One of several upcoming events is Summer Solstice Circle 2023. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 20, attendees will welcome summer. Adults of all genders as well as writers of all genres and experience levels are encouraged to register. The cost is $30, and registration closes June 17. Bloomington chapter's new creative director, Mary Beth O’Brien, will facilitate.

Who is part of the Women Writing for (a) Change

People writing and listening in groups has been the focus of this organization since 1991. That's when Brosmer, a Cincinnati poet, got fed up with observing women being muted and founded Women Writing for (a) Change.

So Brosmer stopped criticizing and started assembling girls and women. At first, 15 gathered each week to write and hear. The number grew, and later the Feminist Leadership Academy of Cincinnati started to train and license facilitators. Sister schools popped up throughout the country, and Beth Lodge-Rigal started a chapter in Bloomington. The local group meets at various sites and also has its own location, on South Washington Street. Year-round events include retreats, workshops and genre-specific classes.

Tuition help is available for writers

Discounts on tuition are available for classes, retreats and other events that cost $15 and up. In addition, case-by-case financial help may apply. Management looks at writers' financial needs, their willingness to commit to an entire program and available funds. Visit womenwritingbloomington.org/tuition-assistance/ for more information.

Everyone gets a chance

For those who have been frustrated during meetings and clubs where unreserved personalities can roll over the quieter types, Women Writing for (a) Change offers space, time, attention and structure, led by professional, trained and paid "facilitators."

But what good is group writing if people can't critique?

Writers — and that refers to everyone, not just professionals — choose the type of feedback they want. You can ask for praise only or get radically brave and open your ego to everything. Facilitators remind the writers that listeners' comments need be about the writing, not the writer. "Presuming goodwill," or that a writer is not intending to offend, is a principle.

The organization also uses the "heart/gut" system, which defines the difference between the feelings of the writers and those of the listeners. There is usually a gap between what one person writes and what another hears.

Confidentiality and conscious feminist leadership training

Facilitators teach how to hear the writers' stories as stories, not necessarily facts. They encourage participants to comment or write without worrying about hurting someone's feelings. Here, lack of restraints often lead to freedom of thought.

So, confidentiality is routinely explained and reinforced.

Bloomington chapter's new creative director

Mary Beth O'Brien is the new creative director for the Bloomington chapter, and she is still transitioning into her leadership role.

"People think, 'Oh, no. I'm not a writer,'" O'Brien said over the phone. "But we are wide open."

For those who have never tried a Women Writing for (a) Change workshop or class, she said it's often like this: "Come and write about (a subject). We're going to explore a topic." Participants also will learn about "circles" and "soul cards." Circle means a class or course. Soul cards start out as blank pieces of paper, on which participants write comments or questions they might have after a reading.

"They write their experiences from that circle."

Any woman or girl, and sometimes men, are welcome

All women are welcome, regardless of gender identification. Men, too, are welcome at some of the events. Programs for youth, such as this spring's "Hike and Write" and summer writing camps (full with wait list) have been hits. Peer at the clever company logo, designed by Kim Evans, to find a pen in a tree!

Because the program is highly structured, its set of guidelines ensures not only space and privacy but uninterrupted time to speak.

"We provide great boundaries for everyone in the circle," O'Brien said.

A stone is one technique that keeps working. "When it's someone's turn to speak they hold a stone. It's very visible to the group members, and grounding for the speaker."

Several programs coming up

Visit womenwritingbloomington.org/ to see a list of upcoming programs. One is called Public Read Around — “Voices from our Circles” from 5-6 p.m. June 14 at Juniper Art Gallery, 615 W. Kirkwood Ave. Writers will share their work in the art gallery, and admission is free and open to the public

Visit womenwriting.org/ for the national website.

For the Bloomington chapter, visit womenwritingbloomington.org/.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington's Women Writing for (a) Change nurtures, empowers people